#BensCaribbeanAdventure Day 8 Blog
Saturday 25th January
We arrived alongside the pier in Curacao just before 07:30 and the announcement was made advising passengers that we could go ashore half an hour later. It was a bright and sunny morning and we were docked very close to the town centre.
The walk into the town centre was very nice, you actually passed through the Renaissance Resort and Casino where there is also an outdoor shopping area featuring Tiffany and Co, Armarni Exchange and Diesel to name a few. I even came across a very large Starbucks Coffee! The area actually reminded me a lot of the Atlantis Paradise Island resort in Nassau; however this was a lot smaller. The sun was shining and all the bars along the route were packed. As I walked through the Old Fort and into the town itself there was a small market selling souvenirs and other collectible items.
The Queen Anne Pontoon Bridge was very big, and it was interesting to see it swing open whenever a ship was approaching. It was also quite funny to watch pedestrians start to run across as the alarms sounded. The walk across was quite breezy; yet the cool air was a pleasant surprise from the heat. Once over the other side I stopped off at a waterfront cafe where they had loads of umbrellas and water-misters to keep customers cool. It was a lovely place to sit back, relax and just watch the world go by. I then walked around the town for a little bit looking in some of the shops before heading back over the other side and walking back through the Renaissance Resort and having a quick browse in the shops. The resort certainly looked like a luxurious place to stay; and I think that I would very much like to return to in the future.
Once back on board the Ventura I sat by the Beachcomber Pool and got some Afternoon Tea from the Waterside. Unlike lunch and during the late-snack period, the afternoon tea selection consists of ready-filled rolls and wraps; however for someone who doesn’t like spread or mayonnaise it means I usually miss out. I actually asked one of the Maitre’D’s within the buffet about this and he told me to give him ten minutes or so and then he appeared soon after with a plate of three mini Ham Salad Rolls with no-spread just for me. It was a delightful surprise and it really makes a difference when someone goes “above and beyond”.
One of the waiters named Peter is very friendly and has been coming over to chat to me every day which is nice. I really like talking to the crew and they always have a few tips on what to see, do and visit at many ports of call; including where to get free WiFi!
After checking my e-mails for a little bit I headed over to the Laguna Pool for the Party Sailaway which was once again a lot of fun. I think the Entertainment Team must be melting after dancing away in the 29C heat. We set sail bound for St. Lucia, where we will arrive after spending tomorrow cruising the Caribbean Sea.
In the evening I had a little wonder around the ship before having a mocktail in the Metropolis Bar, where the theme was Hong Kong. I then had dinner in The Glass House which is Olly Smiths’ wine bar and eatery located on Deck 7 midship. I ordered the Sirloin Steak and it was served on a slate board with Triple Cooked Chips and an Onion Ring… delicious! After dinner I had a drink in the Tamarind Lounge on Deck 7 midship before visiting The Exchange for “At The Races” and then having an early night.
Click here to read Day Nine.
